Lane Cove vs Lane Cove North: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Lane Cove (Lane Cove rates (OLG) and Lane Cove North (Willoughby rates (OLG) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Sydney CBD (7.1 km and 8.7 km).
The two sit within $287 a year of each other to run, so running cost is a minor factor here. The decision comes down to schools, risk and lifestyle, all in the free report.
Over 10 years these two cost about the same to run. The difference here isn't money — it's location, schools and lifestyle.
Get the free report: 10-year costs, flood & fire risk, crime, schools and overall verdict →Lane Cove
Lane Cove North
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Lane Cove | Lane Cove North | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,502 | $1,341 | +$161 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,261 | $2,709 | -$448 |
| Commute (public transport) | $1,920 | $1,920 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,850 | $1,850 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,600 | $2,600 | - |
| Total (driving) | $7,161 | $7,448 | -$287 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,820 | $6,659 | +$161 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Lane Cove | Lane Cove North | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,342 | $2,342 | - |
| Unit | $1,909 | $1,909 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2026-27 regulated prices for each suburb's electricity network, including supply charge (AER Default Market Offer caps, or the QCA price in regional Queensland; unit ≈ 75% of a house). Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — Lane Cove vs Lane Cove North (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Lane Cove and Lane Cove North cost within $287 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $3,290, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $448 per year. Lane Cove North is 8.7 km from Sydney CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,820 and $6,659 a year, so the $287 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates favours Lane Cove North by $161 a year, $1,341 against $1,502.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Lane Cove by $448 a year, $2,261 against $2,709.
- Building insurance is identical at $1,850 a year.
They sit in different council areas, so the rates line is set by two different councils. For NSW that figure is the average residential rate reported to the Office of Local Government, uplifted by that council's IPART rate peg.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Lane Cove cumulative | Lane Cove North cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $7,161 | $7,448 | $287 |
| Year 3 | $22,134 | $23,021 | $887 |
| Year 5 | $38,019 | $39,542 | $1,523 |
| Year 10 | $82,093 | $85,383 | $3,290 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lane Cove or Lane Cove North cheaper to live in?
Lane Cove is cheaper to run by car at $7,161 per year versus $7,448 for Lane Cove North, a difference of $287 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Lane Cove and Lane Cove North?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,502 in Lane Cove (Lane Cove rates (OLG) and $1,341 in Lane Cove North (Willoughby rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Lane Cove and $1,548 in Lane Cove North. Both figures are the average residential rate reported to the Office of Local Government, uplifted by each council's IPART rate peg.
How does the commute cost compare between Lane Cove and Lane Cove North?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,261 from Lane Cove and $2,709 from Lane Cove North to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $1,920 from Lane Cove and $1,920 from Lane Cove North.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Lane Cove and Lane Cove North?
At 3% annual cost growth, Lane Cove costs a cumulative $82,093 and Lane Cove North costs $85,383 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,290 in favour of Lane Cove. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Lane Cove and Lane Cove North is best to actually live in?
You've got the costs. Get the free personalised report for the rest: a clear verdict on which suburb wins, the full flood, fire and crime risk profile, nearest schools, estimated electricity cost by number of occupants, and your own loan or rent stress-tested over 10 years. No spam.
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Sources: Lane Cove rates (OLG and Willoughby rates (OLG rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.